Happen to be

Question

The Malian Foreign Affairs Minister, Moktar Ouane, who happened to be in Paris on an official visit, arrived at the scene a few hours later.

He tried to comfort Gagni while expressing sadness at the loss of eight Malians.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4189840.stm

What is the meaning of 'who happened to be in Paris' in the above?

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I have heard people use the words 'happen to be'.

What is the meaning of the follow:

I met a person at the conference who happened to be a friend of Martin.
It seems the words 'happen to be' have different meanings

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I went to the park for a walk. In the Park, I met Tom, who happened to be there for a picnic.

This means: I went to the park for one reason. Tom was there for a reason not related to my reason. So, our meeting was not planned. We met 'by accident'.

... Moktar Ouane, who happened to be in Paris on an official visit, arrived at the scene a few hours later.

This means that Mr. Ouane went to Paris for a reason that was not connected to the loss of the Malians. While he was there, the deaths occurred, so he was able to go to the scene.

I met a person at the conference who happened to be a friend of Martin.
It seems the words 'happen to be' have different meanings
This means: his friendship with Martin was not the reason that this person was at the conference, nor was it the reason that I was at the conference, nor was it the reason I was talking to this person.

In simple terms, think of it as an accidental occurrence, or a coincidence.

Best wishes, Clive

Rotter · Answer

Thanks Clive. You are good at explaining these things.

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks a lot
Farhan

Hat lime 118 · Answer

He happened to be there when the incident occured.This means he was there accidentally.

Happen to be

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